Stewart Martin, 37, who works at Truman’s of Norwich, of Elm Hill, and Razor Edge, of Castle Street, was announced the first Men’s Hairdressing Federation award winner.

An organisation set up for professional employed and self-employed hairdressers and barbers, it set up the competition to look at the work of men who have dedicated their career to men’s hairdressing.

Mr Martin said is was nice to be recognised for his work.

“There’s so many salons opening now, it’s good for myself and the businesses and will help us stand out above the competition in Norwich,” he said.

Mr Martin started his career at Steiner Hair and Beauty, Norwich, at the age of 14.

“This is where I began to realise my dream.”

At the age of 20, after intensive training and competition work where he came first in the London Creative Fantasy Category, he joined the Avant Garde focus team in Harlow, Essex.

After gaining skills and experience in cutting and advanced hair design he then returned to Norwich to work at local salons and hair shows.

He said: “After several years back in Norwich I then decided to explore the hairdressing industry, and the opportunity was given to me to from Mane Street, Bournemouth, to work along side Andrew Bell, the owner, who is an inspiration to myself and the hairdressing industry.

“From there I returned to Avant Garde to work alongside a great team of top hair stylists, where I did further training.

“Due to family commitments I returned back to my roots and this is where I have now settled back.”

Mr Martin works as an advanced hair designer, with both female and male hair.

As part of the competition Mr Martin had to send in a before and after photo of a model with a “commercial and wearable” hair style which reflected current trends.

As the winner, Mr Martin’s work will now appear in the publication Hairdressers Journal and he will take part in Professional Hairdresser Live at Manchester in March – the biggest hair show in the country.

Have you recently won an exciting award? Contact reporter Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 693892, email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or follow on Twitter @donnaloubishop.